Eat up

Leaky Gut: You’ve Heard It, But What Is It?

Eat Up

"Increased intestinal permeability." While you may not have heard that phrase, you may have heard it referred to as “leaky gut.” Marcelo Campos, MD writes in Harvard Medical School’s journal that “[w]e all have some degree of leaky gut, as this barrier is not completely impenetrable.” While the intestine’s permeability is key to its core function (absorbing nutrients from the food we eat), problems may arise when the intestinal tract becomes inflamed and more permeable than it’s intended to be.

According to Dr. Steven Gundry, “leaky gut” occurs from tears in the gut lining which can manifest in a host of symptoms, from digestive discomfort to fatigue to weight gain. He’s dedicated over 20 years to studying the underlying causes of “leaky gut,” and the foods people can eat to improve their gut health. In this video, Dr. Gundry presents his findings and offers advice to people who suspect their intestines are too permeable.

While medical research around “leaky gut” is still being conducted, nearly all medical professionals agree that a healthy, well-balanced diet can only help intestinal health. Click here to see Dr. Gundry’s tips for gut-healthy foods.